Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — An attempt to illegally arrange an Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia was stopped in Samarkand. The State Security Service of Uzbekistan reported this.
According to the agency, a 1956-born Samarkand resident, who had previously been convicted of a fraud-related offence, offered four residents of Akdarya district to arrange their trip for the pilgrimage without having the relevant authority.
The man demanded US$4,800 for arranging the trip. Officers of the State Security Service, together with the Samarkand Regional Department of Internal Affairs, conducted an operation during which he was detained while receiving an advance payment of US$3,000.
Evidence was documented and seized during the detention.
A criminal case has been opened against the man. Investigative proceedings are currently underway.
The State Security Service urged citizens to report similar violations of the law by calling the short number 1520. The agency stressed that the confidentiality of applicants’ identities is guaranteed.
